GREENUP, LEWIS RECEIVE $500,000 FOR DRUG COURT

Funds Will Take Program From Pilot To Full-time Status

GREENUP -- A $500,000 federal grant announced this week will take an adult
drug court program in Greenup and Lewis counties from pilot to full-time
status.

"I'm thrilled to death," said Circuit Judge Lewis Nicholls of the 20th
Judicial Circuit, which includes both counties. "We're going to do
everything we can to justify the confidence federal officials have in us
and serve as many people as we can."

Four defendants participated in the pilot drug court, which started earlier
this year.

Now, with the U.S. Department of Justice grant money, Nicholls hopes to
implement a program that serves about 100 non-violent, substance-abusing
offenders each year.

The 12- to 18-month program will involve intensive judicial supervision,
counseling, drug prevention treatment and graduated sanctions.

Drug courts, in place around the country, are holding drug offenders
accountable while helping them to lead productive lives, according to a
Department of Justice press release announcing the grant.

"What we've learned is the effectiveness of the drug courts," Nicholls said.

In Kentucky, first-time drug offenders placed on probation have a 46
percent recidivism rate. The repeat offense rate for drug court
participants who start but do not complete the program is 5 to 28 percent.
For graduates, it's about 4 percent, Nicholls said.

Only three of 14 applications for such programs from Kentucky were funded.
Also receiving $500,000 grants were the 56th Judicial Circuit of Trigg,
Caldwell, Lyon and Livingston counties and the 14th Judicial Circuit of
Bourbon, Woodford and Scott counties.

Boyd County's adult drug court was one of the 11 not funded this year, said
Circuit Judge Marc Rosen, who also has implemented a pilot program. "I am
extremely glad for Judge Nicholls and the people in his circuit," Rosen
said. "I know he will continue with the success he started with his pilot
program and it's our intent here in Boyd County to do what is necessary to
continue our pilot program.

"We will be looking for possible alternative funding and volunteer
support," Rosen said. "We also intend to apply for the next round of grants
next year. Until then, we will be looking to the community to help us."

Nicholls said he had expected Boyd County's program to be funded.